What Are Hand Pies?
Hand Pies are compact pies that are single-serving portions that are self-contained. Think of them as a fried pie with your favorite filling (or fillings) that you don’t have to share.
What MakesAir Fryer Hand Pies So Great?
Fast. While making the dough is a little time consuming, the cooking time for these hand pies is much shorter than cooking a full-sized pie in your oven.Customizable. Use whatever fillings your heart desires. Delicious. All of the flavors of a traditional pie – and you don’t even have to share!Easy. Just stuff your favorite filling inside the pie dough (or premade puff pastry) and air fry!
One of the main advantages of using an air fryer is that cook times are a lot shorter, and you don’t heat up your whole kitchen. The air fryer also crisps the exterior of these hand pies in a delightful, flaky, crunchy way. I have to say, I think these taste better when cooked in the air fryer rather than in the oven. You can also make small batches of hand pies at a time, and make them fast. So with this hand pie recipe, for example, you could make just two fried pies rather than making a huge big pie. Automatic portion control. What’s not to love? You can stuff whatever your favorite fruit filling is into these easy fruit pies. I’ve included the recipes below. While my personal favorite is the traditional fried apple pie, my son loves cherry pies, and my husband loves blueberry fried pies. With this recipe, I can make different ones for the family all in one go. #RuthlessEfficiency at work!
Watch the Video on How to Make Fruit Pies
How Do You Make Hand Pies From Scratch?
SEE RECIPE CARD FOR FULL INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOW TO MAKE DOUGH. Step 1: On a piece of 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper, trace around a 6-inch round baking pan. Cut out the circle (this will be the pattern for cutting out the pie crusts); set aside. Step 2: Once dough is made, place half of the desired Fruit Filling on half of the pastry circle, leaving a ¼-inch border. Brush the bare edge with water. Fold the empty half of the pastry over the filling. Step 3: Using a fork, press around the edge of the pastry to seal it. Poke holes on the tops. Repeat with remaining filling and pastry. Step 4: In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water. Brush over the tops of the pies for that golden brown color. Step 5 : Sprinkle the tops with the sugar. Step 6: Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 35 minutes or until pies are golden brown. Then, Cool pies on a wire rack for 20 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations
As a shortcut, instead of making the pie crust for these Fruit Hand Pies, you can use puff pastry. It makes the recipe much easier and faster if you don’t have the time to make the crust yourself. See instructions for cook times below.
Apple: In a medium bowl, toss together 2/3 cup chopped apples, 1 tablespoon sugar, ½ teaspoon flour, and a dash of apple pie spice or cinnamon.Blueberry: In a medium bowl, toss together 2/3 cup fresh blueberries, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon quick-cooking tapioca or cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon lemon zest.Cherry: In a medium bowl, toss together 2/3 cup pitted tart cherries (thawed if frozen), ¼ cup sugar, and 11/2 teaspoons quick-cooking tapioca or cornstarch.As a shortcut, instead of making the pie crust, you can use puff pastry. It makes the recipe much easier and faster if you don’t have the time to make the crust yourself. Simply cook them at 320F for 20 minutes if you use puff pastry.*Note: Macros do not include ingredients in fruit fillings since you can use so many different options.
Fruit Hand Pies are easy, delicious, and can be made a ton of ways to suit whatever the occasion or preference might be. If you are in love with these Fruit Hand Pies, you’ll definitely enjoy this Keto Pie Crust or Pressure Cooker Keto Pumpkin Pie Pudding! If you’re looking for more great air fryer desserts, check out my Maple Pecan Bars With Sea Salt. These bars will give you that pecan pie bite, but made in half the time it takes to roll out the crust for a traditional pie. If you’re looking for more amazing recipes like this one, go grab my Air Fryer cookbook HERE! If you enjoy these air fryer fruit hand pies as much as I do, make sure you share this recipe with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can try them too. Originally Published June 27, 2019
